Chapter 271: Chapter 232: Entering the Formation

Seeing that everyone was gathered, Master Fengfeng spoke in a deep voice, "The reason for calling you today is of great importance. First, swear a Dao Heart Oath; nothing discussed today shall be disclosed to those not present."

Everyone felt a chill in their hearts. Lu Qian knew the matter of the Primordial Pearl was significant; if leaked, it would certainly attract the covetous eyes of major sects. Could a Golden Core Sect possibly protect a Profound Mechanism-level Spiritual Treasure? It’s better to hand it over willingly; even a hint of hesitation could lead to catastrophe.

Thus, everyone swore an oath, and Master Fengfeng nodded, "Two Golden Core foes have arrived at Yuqing Mountain, intending to seize the Spiritual Treasures hidden within the Spirit Vein, the Primordial Pearl. Today, with the united strength of our county, we will slay the foes and keep the Treasure Pearl! You must do your utmost; those with meritorious deeds will be richly rewarded, those who shrink back will face heavy punishment, and anyone who flees in battle will face sect annihilation!"

An overwhelming aura of slaughter permeated, causing Lu Qian to shiver all over, with even his bones aching. He had already heard of Master Fengfeng’s ruthless ways, completely disregarding subordinate sects, but now experienced it firsthand, cursing inwardly.

Conducting affairs with such fierceness, being in Chongming County wasn’t a good thing.

While shocked by the news of the Primordial Pearl, he also felt fear and helplessness at Master Fengfeng’s coercion. Everyone nodded, vowing to exert every effort, pressing forward unto death.

Receiving a satisfactory response, Master Fengfeng waved his hand, "Follow me to break the array!"

The Escape Light shone brilliantly, the Spiritual Pressure mighty, and nineteen people shot into the array. The Ten Extremes Ten Directions Grand Array flared with light, spinning at once.

At this moment, two Inner Sect disciples who had witnessed the destruction of Bichao Mountain staggered their way back, flying for nearly two hours, finally arriving beside the Void-Soaring and Distant-Guarding Divine Ship.

Accompanied by trembling cries, they collapsed into the flagship, facing the elders, their taut nerves relaxed, replaced by immense grief and terror.

"Bichao Mountain... Bichao Mountain is gone!"

Yang Jiye suddenly stood up, shouting fiercely, "What are you saying?!"

Wang Yu was greatly shocked, and hurriedly cast several Silence Talismans, isolating this place.

Under urgent inquiries from the crowd, the two incoherently recounted everything they witnessed. When they described how rolling toxic mists corroded the forest, the vast Black River destroyed buildings, and everything on Bichao Mountain was decimated, becoming a highly toxic, inaccessible wasteland, they were already sobbing uncontrollably, tears streaming down their faces.

The pavilion fell silent; everyone’s faces were pale, seized by immense shock, panic, and sorrow, unable to accept it for the moment.

The unending tide of trees was gone.

The land of hard-fought struggles was gone.

The root vein of survival was gone!

Many mornings, waking from meditation, one was greeted by the rustling wind and the sea of trees. Stepping out into the courtyard, lively disciples with smiling faces lined the path.

Bichao Mountain, the place that carried the Yunshan Sect’s dream of revival, was our home!

Now the home is destroyed, where will the Yunshan Sect go?

Their gaze, seeking help, was directed towards the principal seat, now empty.

Jiang Qingfeng felt suffocated; she urgently cried out, "Quick, contact the junior brother!"

Yang Jiye hastily pulled out the Thousand-Mile Mirror, but the radiance had faded; no matter how he adjusted, there was no response. Even Wang Yu felt panic, couldn’t help but tremble as he said, "Why is the Thousand-Mile Mirror unable to contact the Sect Leader... this couldn’t possibly be..."

"Impossible!" Jiang Qingfeng loudly interrupted his speculation, suddenly recalling the communication talisman that malfunctioned during the hunt for the Snake Demon, like grasping a lifeline, "That’s it! The junior brothers must be inside some array, hence the Thousand-Mile Mirror isn’t working!"

The crowd’s expressions eased slightly, and Master Xuan Ji added, "Actually, it’s not just the array; Golden Core techniques are incredibly mysterious. It’s also possible they’ve blocked communications."

Jiang Qingfeng nodded, quickly invigorating her resilient, steadfast inner self; she clenched her teeth, glanced around the room, and stood up, "Fellow disciples, no matter what, we must remain calm. There are over a hundred of us disciples here and four floating battleships. If we elders lose our composure first, how can we lead everyone?"

With the junior brother absent, it’s up to me to maintain order!

"Indeed!" Wang Yu also suppressed his internal grief and shock. "At this moment, stabilizing the situation and awaiting the Sect Leader’s return is paramount. First, dispatch disciples to gather detailed information about Bichao Mountain. We will provide it to the Sect Leader for reference upon his return. Also, if Bichao Mountain is truly destroyed, rather than hiding it from the disciples, it’s better to inform them orderly, and calm ourselves first to stabilize the team."

Tan Hong clenched Zhang Lemei’s hand tightly, speaking solemnly, "The Sect Leader has said many times, as long as Yunshan disciples remain, the Yunshan Sect will live. Wherever Yunshan disciples are, there is Yunshan!"

Yang Jiye took a deep breath, "Thanks to the Sect Leader’s foresight, transferring all disciples and stores here ahead of time. Although the mountain gate is destroyed, our sect’s foundation is still intact, far from despair. I will continue trying to contact the Sect Leader; once he returns, there will certainly be a good plan."

Everyone encouraged each other, their expressions turning resolute.

In the midst of pain, hope was renewed.

Above Yuqing Mountain, the Ten Extremes Ten Directions Grand Array roared to life. Upon entering, the Ten-Layered Small Array radiated vast brilliance, and the Golden Core level Spiritual Pressure surged, causing the Early-Stage Foundation Establishment Feathered Scholars to momentarily stop breathing and unable to move.

Lu Qian held a glimmer of five-colored light, quickly establishing a small Five Elements Array, enveloping Guh Niqiang, Zhuang Qing, and another named Hong Fei from the Spirit Talisman Sect, a Foundation Establishment Honored Guest Elder.

Everyone’s pressure eased considerably, and Zhuang Qing gratefully bowed his hands.

Lu Qian expected Master Fengfeng to let them enter the array, following the orthodox strategy of breaking the formation by spreading out, with several handling each layer of the smaller array. However, that wasn’t the case here.

Suddenly, a thunderous sound rang, as the Ten Extremes Array’s attack descended, as if the heavens were falling!

Thunderbolt, Fire, Cold Ice, Xun Wind, Golden Light, Yellow Sand, Black Water... Layer upon layer of attacks came instantly, the terrifying pressure instinctively pushing everyone to defend.

Then, Master Fengfeng shouted angrily, the glow in his bosom flickered as a treasure mirror rose steadily.

The mirror’s radiance was dazzling, hard to gaze upon, while the back depicted a towering blue bird with outstretched wings. As he channeled Spiritual Power, the bird emitted a piercing cry, flew out from the mirror, instantly transforming into tens of meters in size, spreading its wings to shelter everyone.

Magical Treasure, Glazed Cyan Crane Mirror!

Thunderous noises ensued as varied attacks pounded on the Qinghong Divine Bird, which sang brightly, defiantly contending with them. Its feathers radiated bright light, shielding against this wave of attacks.

Lu Qian’s Divine Sense surged, carefully perceiving the Magical Treasure’s vast, profound Spiritual Pressure and aura, far surpassing Spiritual Artifacts.

After withstanding a round of attacks, Master Fengfeng’s face turned a shade paler. He caught his breath, looking significantly drained.

At this moment, a black-robed figure appeared silently before Master Fengfeng, raising a hand, and a smooth, jade-like whip swiftly lashed out.

It was Skull Child.

Master Fengfeng swept his hand, Qinghong clutched the treasure mirror, blocking the whip. With a piercing sound, everyone felt intense pain in their ears, and a long, narrow scratch appeared on the mirror’s surface.

At this moment, the grand array rumbled anew, as the next round of attacks readied.

Master Fengfeng shouted loudly, "Li Xingyuan!"